Entering the machining trade in Sterling, IL, typically begins with specialized education and training, often through apprenticeships that combine hands-on experience with classroom instruction. These apprenticeships, which last about four to five years, provide essential skills such as CNC machine operation and blueprint reading. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 288,789 machinists nationwide, with a median annual wage of $50,840. In Sterling, IL, machinists can earn an average of $1,540 per week, with experienced professionals often exceeding $4,000 weekly. This career path offers strong earning potential and opportunities for advancement, particularly in industries requiring precision components like aerospace and automotive manufacturing.
Description BUILT TO CONNECT Astec is a global, environmentally focused infrastructure and manufacturing company of asphalt road building and aggregate processing. Our mission is to design and build the most innovative products for the industries we serve. Leveraging innovative solutions and technologies, we serve customers all over the world. ABOUT THE POSITION The Machine Operator will be responsible for performing various tasks to set up, operate, monitor, troubleshoot and perform preventive maintenance on assigned machines. The Machine Operator will also be responsible for inspecting parts to specifications and making adjustments, or tool changes as necessary to maintain quality specifications. Key Deliverables • Set up and operate a production machine in accordance with Astec's guidelines. • Control and adjust machine settings to complete tasks accurately. • Perform pre-operation activities to ensure proper equipment startup and operation. • Accurately perform task based on blueprints provided. • Maintain a detailed activity log of daily duties. Key Activities & Responsibilities • Knowledgeable in basic machine safety to include proper lifting techniques. • Basic blueprint reading and math skills (basic geometry to figure angles) and decimals and metric conversions. • Knowledgeable and able to use tape measure, combination square, levels and radius boards, etc. • Able to safely use hand tools to include hammer, adjustable wrench, air grinder, pencil grinder, and air wrenches. • Closely monitor machine while in operation, never leaving immediate work area while machine is in operation and be ready to respond to breakdowns quickly in order to shut down machine. • Be able to read cut lists (basic reading skills and knowledge of materials - types of steel Able to safely operate cranes and forklifts. • Be able to do some layout work. • Review operator manual(s) for saw, drill, and mill for safe and appropriate operation (to include preventive maintenance). • Communicate with other machine operators and team members to guarantee safety on the floor. • Keep work area neat and clean. • Must follow all Astec, Inc. safety rules and requirements. • Must follow all company policy requirements. To be successful in this role, your experience and competencies are: • High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) preferred. • Relevant trade school or college course work desired. • Blueprint reading skills desired. • 0-2 Heavy equipment manufacturing experience desired. • Computer experience desired, particularly the ability to use a mouse, and locate and open/close files. • Ability to follow verbal instruction and learn how to operate machine, training will be provided. • Must have good written and oral communication skills. • Must have good troubleshooting skills, be able to maintain quality, and diagnose cutting problems. Supervisor and Leadership Expectations None Our Culture and Values Employees that become part of Astec embody the values below throughout their work. • Continuous devotion to meeting the needs of our customers • Honesty and integrity in all aspects of business • Respect for all individuals • Preserving entrepreneurial spirit and innovation • Safety, quality and productivity as means to ensure success WORK ENVIRONMENT Manufacturing Environment Shop manufacturing environment exposures include exposure to moving mechanical parts, machinery, tools and equipment, vibration, fumes or airborne particles, motorized vehicles, welding and machining operations, outside weather conditions and exposure to the risk of electric shock. The employee may occasionally be exposed to varying levels of dirt, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals, very warm and/or very chilly temperatures. The noise level in the shop can be very loud at times consistent with an industrial assembly facility and may require hearing protection. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Astec does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender (sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, citizenship status, a person's veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law or executive order.
See More Details >>About the position Machine Operator - Full-Time (2 PM - 12 AM Shift) Join Our Team in Sterling, IL: We are seeking a skilled Machine Operator to join our production team in Sterling, IL. Your role will involve operating a variety of machines to produce high-precision parts using automated equipment. This position is ideal for individuals who have manual dexterity, an eye for detail, and a strong commitment to safety. We value team members who are hardworking, eager to learn, and take pride in their craftsmanship. Our goal is to ensure efficient production operations and continual optimization of our procedures. Key Responsibilities: Review project specifications to understand the output requirements. Plan and execute the necessary actions for job completion, including loading materials and configuring machines. Operate a range of machines to ensure precision and quality in the final product. Monitor machine operations continuously to adjust settings and identify any issues. Verify the quality of output against specifications and remove any defects. Conduct routine maintenance on machinery and perform minor repairs to maintain operational efficiency. Skills and Qualifications: Experience as a machine operator is preferred, but not essential. A strong work ethic and willingness to learn are most important. Familiarity with using and/or programming manual, semi-automated, or automated tools and machines (e.g., lathes, grinders). Ability to use precision tools (e.g., calipers) for accurate measurements. Knowledge of metal properties and other materials used in production. Physical stamina and strength for handling heavy items. High school diploma, GED, or equivalent; vocational training or an apprenticeship is a plus. Responsibilities • Review project specifications to understand the output requirements. , • Plan and execute the necessary actions for job completion, including loading materials and configuring machines. , • Operate a range of machines to ensure precision and quality in the final product. , • Monitor machine operations continuously to adjust settings and identify any issues. , • Verify the quality of output against specifications and remove any defects. , • Conduct routine maintenance on machinery and perform minor repairs to maintain operational efficiency. Requirements • Experience as a machine operator is preferred, but not essential. , • A strong work ethic and willingness to learn are most important. , • Familiarity with using and/or programming manual, semi-automated, or automated tools and machines (e.g., lathes, grinders). , • Ability to use precision tools (e.g., calipers) for accurate measurements. , • Knowledge of metal properties and other materials used in production. , • Physical stamina and strength for handling heavy items. , • High school diploma, GED, or equivalent; vocational training or an apprenticeship is a plus. Nice-to-haves Benefits • Dental insurance , • Health insurance , • Paid time off , • Vision insurance
See More Details >>Position: Tooling Technician / Machinist The Tooling Technician/Machinist assembles, disassembles and reconditions various tooling components in a machine tool setting with the ability to operate machine shop equipment and power tools independently under general supervision. Responsibilities • Disassemble and inspect tooling for damage or wear • Recondition tooling based on information provided in work orders. • Pick up and deliver tooling based on information provided in work orders or shippers. • Operate crankshaft measurement and testing equipment. • Maintain test records in accordance with product specifications • Work with team members to meet efficiency, delivery, and quality goals • Occasional travel of 5-7% (10-15% max) to visit engine plants around the US but primarily in Michigan, Ohio, Ontario, Buffalo, NY. Qualifications • 3 to 5 years of minimum job-related experience. • Customer oriented – versed in discussing tooling performance. • Ability to read blueprints drawings. • Ability to utilize measurement tools such as calipers and micrometers. • Experience with computers and proficiency in Microsoft office. • Layout/part measurements skills-CMM, digital precision height gage, surface contour tracing, SPC. • Must be a team player who is hardworking, reliable, honest, and takes pride in workmanship. Salary: Up to 40/hr Benefits: Great Benefits Seniority level: Mid-Senior level Employment type: Full-time Job function: Engineering and Information Technology Industries: Staffing and Recruiting At Goodwin Recruiting we are committed to our core values. We take our value, Dedicated to Diversity & Inclusion, very seriously and will never discriminate against a candidate or client based on any protected classes. We evaluate the knowledge, skills, and abilities that meet the requirements of the position and aim to open doors and change lives. We value all people, understanding that uniqueness and diversity foster a stronger team that is innovative and brings varying perspectives to the table. #J-18808-Ljbffr
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